Brahma Nadi

Definition - What does Brahma Nadi mean?

The brahma nadi is part of the network of pathways through which energy travels in the body. The name comes from the Sanskrit brahma, meaning “divine” or “sacred,” and nadi, meaning “channel,” “tube” or “flow.”

In Hindu and yogic philosophy, there are three major nadis that follow the spine: ida nadi, or the left channel; pingala nadi, or the right channel; and sushumna nadi, or the central channel. The brahma nadi is a subtle channel located within the sushumna nadi. In some traditions, it is believed that the brahma nadi contains the major chakras (centers of intense energy).

Yogapedia explains Brahma Nadi

Within the sushumna nadi are two additional subtle nadis, the vajra and chitra nadis. Chitra lies within vajra and brahma lies within chitra. Within the lower portion of chitra nadi, there is a small canal or entryway known as brahmadvara, or "the door of Brahman," through which kundalini passes when awakened. The kundalini energy in the brahma nadi travels from the muladhara (root) chakra upward through the rest of the chakras, which are often described as spinning wheels of energy.

The brahma nadi is sometimes called brahmarandhra nadi and is also a term that is sometimes used to refer to the sushumna nadi in general.

In yoga, pranayama, chanting mantras and meditation are some of the techniques used to awaken kundalini and circulate it through the nadis.